When it comes to cleaning activities, mopping is usually the last one on the list. And while not everyone loves doing it, mopping is essential if you want your house to have a finished look. However, what happens when you don’t have a mop bucket? How can you wring out the mop to make sure that you aren’t actually making more mess than cleaning it?
Why Would You Need to Wring the Mop?
Wringing your mop is important for two main reasons. First of all, mops should be damp, not sopping wet. In fact, too much water will extend the drying time and can damage the floor in the long run. By wringing, you remove excess water, leaving only the required amount before mopping.
Besides that, wringing will remove the dirty water, allowing you to clean other surfaces without spreading bacteria. Therefore, if you don’t wring the mop, you will actually scatter more bacteria all over the floor. So in other words, it’s essential to wring your mop before and after each use.
5 Tips on How to Wring Out a Mop Without a Wringer
Although most mops come with their own wringer, for whatever reason you might be lacking one. Since wringing is extremely important,not having a wringer means you will need to improvise your own. Here are a few tips on how you could do that:
Hand Wringing
Let’s be honest, using your hands to wring a mop doesn’t sound fun or hygienic. However, it is a practical solution if you lack a wringer and need to use your mop as soon as possible. To do this, you will need to have a pair of rubber gloves, since not all cleaning products are good for the skin. Once you’ve got your gloves on, fill the sink with water and your favorite product and put the mop in.
You will have to let the mop saturate with water until it feels heavy when you try to lift it. Then, pull it out without dropping it to the floor and start twisting the mop head. You have to use both hands to wring as much as you can until the mop is no longer soaking. And remember to repeat the procedure after each mopping, to remove the dirty water.
Rubber Gloves Recommendation
If you are looking for the most durable and comfortable rubber gloves, then look no further than Elgood’s Cleaning Gloves. Not only are they great for mop wringing but they can also be used for other activities, such as dishwashing. Additionally, the Elgood Gloves use a cotton lining which makes them comfortable and perfect for most hand sizes. And best of all, they are reusable, so you don’t have to worry about wasting money on gloves each and every month.
The Rolling Towel Method
The rolling towel wringing method is perfect if you want a simple wringer made out of common household items. First, you will need a rolling pin, a large towel, and a flat surface (preferably plywood). Place the towel on the surface and put the mop on half of the towel. Then fold the towel over so it covers the mop completely on both sides.
Next, run the rolling pin over the towel multiple times. The idea is to let the towel absorb the excess water from the mop, leaving it damp enough but not soaking wet. Keep in mind that you might need to have more than one towel on hand, in case the first one gets too wet. However, the rolling towel method can end up tiring your hand and wrists if you have a lot of wringing to do.
Towel Recommendation
Having a good absorbent towel is essential for this method to work. That’s why you should give Packtowl Superabsorbent Towel a try. Not only does it become more absorbent with each washing, but it also can soak up to ten times its weight. And it’s also available in multiple sizes, perfect for different types of mops out there.
The Plastic Bucket Wringer
If you are a fan of DIY activities, then the plastic bucket wringer should be right up your alley. You will need a plastic bucket, a gallon jug, a drill, and some cable ties or rope. Start by cutting the jug in half, and then drill holes into the bottom side of it. Then, secure it on the side of the bucket by using a few cable ties or rope.
Once that’s done, you can use the attached jug as a regular wringer by pressing on it using the mop. The excess water will drip into the bucket below, leaving you with a damp and ready-for-cleaning mop. Just be careful not to press too hard on it, as you could break the jug or the bucket. And if you are the type that prefers visual tutorials, then take a look here for more detailed instructions.
Bucket Recommendation
Even though most buckets will do just fine, you should consider using a reliable one, such as Rubbermaid Roughneck Bucket. Thanks to its curved neck, you can easily attach the jug without having to drill additional holes for support. Additionally, the hand will allow you to take the handmade wringer everywhere you want without hassle. And when it comes to durability, you can hardly find a better option than the Rubbermaid Roughneck Bucket.
Lever Mops
If every other DIY method fails, then you can give a lever mop a try. Those are specially designed mops that don’t require an external wringer. You simply place them over the sink and then press on the lever to squeeze out all the excess water. However, you will have to clean those mops regularly as they can get dirty pretty quickly.
Besides the fact that you don’t need a wringer for them, lever mops are also smaller. As a result, they dry up much faster so you don’t have to worry about it dripping water all over the cleaning cupboard.
Lever Mop Recommendation
One of the best lever mops out there is the Jehonn Long Handle Floor Mop. The high-quality handle is one of the most durable on the market while its triangle design is both stylish and appealing. Not only that but the quadruple rolling system makes it extremely easy to remove excess water. And if that wasn’t enough, it also comes with two extra sponge refills, in case the original sponge gets damaged.
Microfiber Mops
Last but not least, you could go with a microfiber mop that requires no wringing. These are an excellent way to keep your house clean with minimal effort. Additionally, they can be used while dry to pick up dirt and debris. And if you want to use them as a normal mop, simply wet their cloth and then start wringing.
Once you are done mopping, throw the cloth inside your washing machine and attach a dry one instead. Microfiber mops are easy to use and extremely accessible, usually costing less than $30.
Microfiber Mop Recommendation
If microfiber mops interest you, then the Mangotime Microfiber Mop is a perfect choice. It offers one of the best user experiences, being extremely easy to handle and clean. Besides that, the mop handle is made of stainless steel which withstands friction and frequent use. And lastly, it comes with four pads, two for wet cleaning and two for dry cleaning
Final Thoughts
Overall, there are a few different routes that you can go if you lack a mop wringer. You can either use your own hands or make yourself a wringer using household items. Nevertheless, you can also go for mops that require no wringing if that seems more appealing. And in the end, all that matters is to find the option that best suits your needs.